Universal and Focus acquire 'Fifty Shades,' top 100 sci-fi books

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--New and noteworthy: USA TODAY book editor Jocelyn McClurg rounds up the hottest books on sale this week, from a memoir by Rachel Dratch of "Debbie Downer" fame, to a Monte Carlo-set thriller by James Patterson.

--'Fifty Shades' movie: Universal Pictures and Focus Features have acquired screen rights to E.L. James' Fifty Shades of Grey, Deadline reports. In the best-selling book, college student Anastasia Steele gets into a relationship with Christian Grey, a handsome millionaire with a penchant for bondage and S&M. How do you think the X-rated book will be adapted for the big screen? And who do you think should play Christian in the movie? Our pick is Matt Bomer from White Collar.

--Lord of sci-fi/fantasy: Do you love science fiction and fantasy books? Bookish cites books that answer questions "about the science of space, how to get there cheaply, and why we should be there now." In November, NPRlisted the top 100 reader-nominated titles in the genre. The top three included The Lord of The Rings, The Hitchhiker's Guide To The Galaxy and Ender's Game. What do you think?

--Murakami's Tokyo: If the flurry of book parties surrounding the release 1Q84 was any indication, Japanese superstar author Haruki Murakami has quite the following in the USA. The New York Times magazine goes back to Tokyo to visit key places from Murakami's life and work in an interactive.

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